HELP!

If you are concerned about the validity of your visa or you have had your passport/BRP stolen or lost we have provided some information below on how to deal with these difficult situations. You should still speak to an adviser in the International Student Support team to discuss your particular circumstances.

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My visa was refused - what do I do?

If your visa application has been refused you will need a new CAS number before you can make another application. To obtain a new CAS number you must

I need legal advice!

The International Student Support team are able to advise specifically on matters related to student visas. Where we are unable to advise we will recommend that you seek legal advice from an immigration specialist. We have compiled a list of suggested Immigration solicitors [pdf] however you should still conduct your own search to find an appropriate solicitor for your particular circumstances.

I've lost my passport!

If your passport is lost or stolen you must

Report this to the police and obtain a crime reference number/letter from the police.

Apply for a new passport through your country’s Embassy or High Commission

As soon as your new passport is issued you must upload a scan of the photo page to your Student e-Service.

If you are required to register with the police you must update your Police Registration Certificate with the new passport details within 7 days of receiving your new passport or within 7 days of returning to the UK.

Within the UK

If you have not lost your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) then you just need to apply for the replacement passport.

If your visa is still a sticker in your passport you will need to apply to the Home Office to have your visa transferred into the new passport. You will need to complete a Transfer of Conditions (TOC) application. This will result in you being issued with a Biometric Residence Permit instead of a new sticker in your passport. More information is available on the Home Office website about transferring your visa to a new passport.

Outside the UK

If you have not lost your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) then you just need to apply for the replacement passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen from outside the UK, and your visa is still a sticker in your passport, then you will need to make a new Tier 4 (General) student visa application however you would NOT need a new CAS number nor supporting documents except for a Statement of Attendance from the College to confirm you are still studying on your course. You will still need to pay the full cost of the application. Please refer to the Home Office website for further information.

I've lost my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If your visa is in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and has been lost or stolen you will need to

Report this to the police and obtain a crime reference number/letter from the police

Contact the Home Office via their webform to report the loss or theft. The Home Office will contact you within 1 working day to tell you if you need to apply for a replacement. You need to provide the Home Office with the following details: your full name, nationality, date of birth, and an email or postal address to report your BRP lost or stolen.

Your BRP will then be cancelled.

Further steps you will need to take depending on whether your BRP was lost/stolen within the UK or outside the UK

Within the UK

If your BRP is lost or stolen while you are in the UK you must apply for a replacement within three months of notifying the Home Office by email. Refer to our application forms (inside the UK) page or the Home Office website for the BRP(RC) Form.

Outside the UK

Apply for a replacement BRP at the British Embassy - You have to apply for a Replacement BRP (single entry) visa at the British Embassy. You do NOT need a new CAS. The application costs £189. You need to complete the online application form. Please note that when it asks you to Select Visa Type, choose Other > Others > Replacement Biometric Residence Permit.

Apply for a new BRP visa card when you have returned to the UK within 1 month - Once you have returned to the UK, you must apply to the Home Office for a BRP(RC) to obtain a new BRP card within 1 month (or you may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000 or your visa could be curtailed). This application costs £56 and it can take several weeks to be processed. Or you could apply in person at a premium service centre by paying an additional £590. You will need to book an appointment online in advance, and a new BRP will be delivered to you within 7-10 working days after your appointment.

I've lost my Police Registration Certificate!

If your Police Registration Certificate is lost or stolen you must:

Report it immediately to the nearest police station.

Complete a new Overseas Visitors Records Office registration proforma (available from the International Student Support office, or online)

Take this completed proforma and the other documents to the Overseas Visitors Records Office located on Borough High Street (SE1 1JL). Please note that you will also need to pay the registration fee again which is currently £34.